Zermatt switzerland ski resort on the map. Open left menu Zermatt

Resort Zermatt (Switzerland)

World famous ski resort Zermatt is included in the group of the best Alpine resorts Best of the Alps. The resort is located at the foot of famous mountain Matterhorn, which attracts like a magnet with its almost perfect pyramidal shape.
At the resort all year round there is a unique atmosphere. Firstly, the air here is unimaginably clean, since there is no car traffic in Zermatt: instead of cars, environmentally friendly electric cars, bicycles and horse-drawn carts run here.
Secondly, ancient alpine wooden houses built on piles of stones and with a tiled roof have been preserved here. And of course, you will be pleased with the variety ski slopes winter and hiking trails summer, as well as the possibility of year-round skiing on the glacier. An unforgettable experience will be given by the morning climb to Mount Rothorn to meet the dawn and view the Matterhorn peak in all its predawn glory.

How to get to Zermatt
Nearest airports: Geneva (255 km), Zurich (265 km).
The most convenient way to get there is by train from Geneva or Zurich airports.
Travel time: from Geneva - 3.5-4 hours, from Zurich - about 3.5 hours

Skiing in Zermatt
The total length of the tracks is 360 km.
Elevation difference 1620-3889 m.
Characteristics of the tracks: for beginners - 30%, for the intermediate level - 55%, for experts - 15%
Number of lifts - 63
Matterhorn Ski Paradise extends over several ski areas:
- mountain range Rothorn (3203 m)
- Gornergrat (3089 m)
- skiing on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (3883 m)
- Schwarzsee (2583 m).
And also experienced skiers have the opportunity to ski on the Italian side of the Alps - Breuil-Cervinia slopes.

And also in the resort of Zermatt
- cross-country ski trails: in Zermatt - 9 km, in Täsch - 17 km.
- snowparks: at Blauherd, Rotenboden and Trockener Steg
- Toboggan run: from Rotenboden to Riffelalp

Sports and leisure in Zermatt
- The highest ice palace in Europe (in "Matterhorn glacier paradise")
- The highest located restaurant in Europe,
with a separate room for groups, at an altitude of 3.883 m
above sea level
- Routes for walking and hiking in the mountains, with a total length of 400 km
(including thematic routes)
- 100 km mountain bike trails
- Mountaineering
- Paragliding
- Rope park "Forest Fun Park"
- 12 km of cross-country skiing trails in Taes
- Sledging
- Helly-ski
- Overnight in the "igloo village" at an altitude of 2.727 m

Restaurants in Zermatt
Zermatt has a huge number of gourmet restaurants. Experimental cooking, Asian cuisine, Mediterranean and Alpine cuisine, outdoor barbecue grill, local regional cuisine, or venison and ostrich meat - here you will find culinary delights for every taste. Whether it's a mountain restaurant, or gourmet cuisine of the best hotels in Zermatt.

Children
Zermatt has a lot of children's and family entertainment, children's ski park, kids clubs, cheese factory tours, climbing courses, toboggan runs, snowshoeing and much more.

ski resort Switzerland Zermatt(1608 m) is part of the canton of Valais. And the resort is located in the upper reaches of the Visp Valley, in the southern part of the Swiss Alps. Business card Zermatt is the most famous peak of the Alps - Matterhorn (4478 m). In addition to the Matterhorn, in the ski resort of Zermatt you can admire the most beautiful peaks of the Alps: Dom and Monte Rosa.

Ski resort Zermatt, together with ski resorts in Switzerland: Davos, Grindelwald and St. Moritz, part of the famous BestoftheAlps group, which offers great mountain slopes and first-class service. Resorts belonging to the BestoftheAlps group are located in Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Like a real Swiss resort, Zermatt will provide tourists not only with excellent skiing, which professional skiers will appreciate, but also with impeccable service in hotels, restaurants and shops.

The Zermatt ski resort guarantees absolutely clean mountain air, there is no car traffic in the resort, and guests and locals travel by electric vehicles. The resort is one of the most fun in Switzerland, many young people rest in Zermatt, who love to have fun in the evenings and at night, and there is such an opportunity here.

You can get to the Zermatt ski resort from international airports: Geneva (250 km), Zurich (270 km). Zermatt has a railway station that receives trains from many cities in Europe. Zermatt - mountain resort and there are no problems with snow here, all Zermatt pistes have excellent snow coverage.

The ski resort of Zermatt, located on the slope of the most photographed mountain in the world, is one of the most prestigious ski resorts in the world.

The ski resort of Zermatt is located in Switzerland, in the south of the canton of Valais, almost in the very center of the Pennine Alps. The Pennine Alps are the western part of the Alps, which has about forty mountain peaks over 4000 meters high. The most famous of them are highest mountain Switzerland - Peak Dufour (4634 m), and one of the symbols of the country - the picturesque mountain Matterhorn (4478 meters), on the northern slope of which Zermatt is located.

The ski resort of Zermatt is located at an altitude of 1608 meters. Its tracks stretch at altitudes from 1600 to 3820 meters, and their total length exceeds 350 km.

It is noteworthy that in order to preserve the environment, the movement in the resort is carried out by electric vehicles or horse-drawn carts. And visiting tourists leave their cars about 12 km from Zermatt in the parking terminal of the village of Täsch or in the city of Brig.

The crystal clear Matterfisp River flows through the entire ski village and is fed by melting glaciers. In general, the resort is quite stretched. And you may have to travel a lot on foot or by taxi. But this does not upset at all - Zermatt is one of the most beautiful ski resorts in the world, one of the ten best alpine resorts. And there is always something to see and what to visit.

The advantage of the resort is that it can take skiers all year round. In summer skiing is possible on the Testa Grigia glacier. Despite the fact that the slopes for skiing are designed for different levels of training, they are all quite difficult. Therefore, Zermatt is preferable for skiers with good technical training.

For skiers in Zermatt there is a huge selection of slopes. Black - the most difficult and steep slopes are located in the Triftji ski area at an altitude of 2709 m. For intermediate skiers, the slopes in the Gornergrat and Hochtali area (approximately 3280 m) are ideal, there is a significant number of Zermatt pistes, most of which are marked in red. And the blue slopes, intended for less experienced skiers, are in the skiing area of Sunegga and Riffelberg.

A large number and variety of routes are interconnected by a network of cable cars, lifts, funiculars and mountain monorail trains. It is even possible to purchase a single ski pass "International" allowing you to ski on the Italian side of the mountains in the ski resort of Cervinia. Thus, we can say that the ski area of Zermatt is more than doubled.

In Zermatt there is a place to roam not only for lovers of skiing and snowboarding, but for lovers of other types active rest. Climbers who dream of conquering the Matterhorn come here from all over the world. It was with the development of mountaineering in these parts that Zermatt began to acquire world fame. For mountain bikers, there are more than a hundred kilometers of mountain gravel trails in the most picturesque places off the shores of alpine lakes. Other tourists will always be able to choose one or more excursion tours, Zermatt surroundings and attractions, including exciting helicopter tours. Or take a ride on the famous Glacier Express train from Zermatt to St. Moritz. You can be sure that a journey in comfortable carriages through high-mountainous alpine passes, numerous tunnels, past the most picturesque mountain lakes and small villages will be remembered for a lifetime.

There is something to do after mountain walks. Zermatt has a total of more than a hundred restaurants and bars, and about forty of them are located right in the mountains on the slopes of the most popular ski slopes. For lovers of shopping, there is a huge number of shops and boutiques. There is a sports center in Zermatt with tennis courts and swimming pools. You can play bowling, squash, golf, as well as visit numerous galleries and exhibitions, among which it is worth noting the Ski Museum, which tells about the Matterhorn mountain and the development of the resort. Also of interest is the Ice Tower in the center of the village and the Ice Palace, located in the ice of the Klein Matterhorn.

You can get to Zermatt from Geneva International Airport or from Zurich Airport. In both cases, the journey will take approximately three and a half hours. Accommodation at the resort should not be a problem. You can stay in hotel apartments (from 3 to 5 stars) or in private cottages.

The ski resort of Zermatt, located at the foot of the most photogenic mountain in the world - the Matterhorn, is rightfully included in world organization The Best of the Alps. Zermatt is luxurious, prestigious, expensive, one of the most picturesque and most the best resorts Europe.

Resort Zermatt (Switzerland)

The world-famous ski resort of Zermatt is included in the Best of the Alps group of the best alpine resorts. The resort is located at the foot of the famous Matterhorn mountain, which attracts like a magnet with its almost perfect pyramidal shape.
The resort has a unique atmosphere all year round. Firstly, the air here is unimaginably clean, since there is no car traffic in Zermatt: instead of cars, environmentally friendly electric cars, bicycles and horse-drawn carts run here.
Secondly, ancient alpine wooden houses built on piles of stones and with a tiled roof have been preserved here. And of course, you will appreciate the variety of ski slopes in winter and hiking trails in summer, as well as the possibility of year-round skiing on the glacier. An unforgettable experience will be given by the morning climb to Mount Rothorn to meet the dawn and view the Matterhorn peak in all its predawn glory.

Skiing in Zermatt
The total length of the tracks is 360 km.
Elevation difference 1620-3889 m.
Characteristics of the tracks: for beginners - 30%, for the intermediate level - 55%, for experts - 15%
Number of lifts - 63
Matterhorn Ski Paradise extends over several ski areas:
- Rothorn mountain range (3203 m)
- Gornergrat (3089 m)
- skiing on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (3883 m)
- Schwarzsee (2583 m).
And also experienced skiers have the opportunity to ski on the Italian side of the Alps - Breuil-Cervinia slopes.

Children
Zermatt has plenty of activities for children and families, a children's ski park, children's clubs, excursions to a cheese factory, rock climbing courses, toboggan runs, snowshoeing and much more.

ski resort Switzerland Zermatt(1608 m) is part of the canton of Valais. And the resort is located in the upper reaches of the Visp Valley, in the southern part of the Swiss Alps. The visiting card of Zermatt is the most famous peak of the Alps - the Matterhorn (4478 m). In addition to the Matterhorn, in the ski resort of Zermatt you can admire the most beautiful peaks of the Alps: Dom and Monte Rosa.

Like a real Swiss resort, Zermatt will provide tourists not only with excellent skiing, which professional skiers will appreciate, but also with impeccable service in hotels, restaurants and shops.

A small, cozy country in the center of Europe, where they speak as many as three languages (Italian, French, German);

Zermatt is a typical Swiss city, which as a whole can give an idea of the whole country.

When I first came to Zermatt, I was still very young, and even then he struck me with his fabulousness, elegance and compactness. This is almost not a city - an elegant tourist village, especially on New Year's Eve and Catholic Christmas.

The thing that strikes me the most about Zermatt is that fuel cars are banned; small electric cars drive around the city, they also serve as a taxi. Any other cars are prohibited for environmental reasons - and therefore the air there is always clean and fresh, literally hitting the head, especially for residents of megacities.

Of course, the location should also be taken into account - the city is located in the mountains, 1600 meters above sea level, usually this height does not greatly affect health, but it is better to keep this in mind.

The locals in Zermatt are at most five or six thousand, but during the festive seasons it will be filled with tourists from all over the world. Their main goal is a ski resort or hiking trails, as well as just relaxing in a beautiful, cozy, clean place overlooking the Matterhorn :)

The local currency is Swiss francs, their exchange rate against the dollar is almost 1:1.

How to get there

Zermatt is not the most easily accessible city on the planet. For example, there is no airport in it, and cars, as I already mentioned, are prohibited. However, this is by no means a reason to refuse to travel there! Below I will give ways that are quite real for every mere mortal.

(And for not the most ordinary mortals, there are always options such as a personal helicopter - I heard about similar stories).

By plane

Unfortunately, it is really impossible to get to Zermatt by plane. But to a major Swiss city, this can always be done, and from megacities by direct flights. Aeroflota planes fly from Moscow twice a day to Zurich - round-trip tickets cost about 20,000 rubles, depending on the season; from St. Petersburg is more difficult - you have to make a transplant in Moscow, and it will cost accordingly more expensive - about 25,000. Or a direct flight, but this is already under 40.000. You can see how much air tickets for your dates will cost.

It is most convenient to get to Zermatt from Zurich or Geneva; it is also possible to come from the Italian side - for example, from Milan.

By train

Personally, in my experience, I have tried both options. I traveled from Milan and Zurich.

From Milan it is a little more difficult, because you have to make more transfers, but this allows you to visit two countries at once in one day! Have a cup of coffee at a layover in a small Italian town, ride through the Simplon Tunnel, which was the longest in the world for more than half a century...

However, from Zurich airport you can immediately get to railway station Zürich Airport- it is located inside the airport, it is enough to follow the arrows with the corresponding inscriptions, - from where trains run every half an hour in the right direction. You will need to make only one transfer at the Visp station (at the ticket office of the station you will be told everything in perfect English), in total the whole trip will take about three hours - but in the most convenient high-speed trains with the most beautiful mountain view.

Unfortunately, only 7 minutes are given for the transfer, but the trains arrive exactly on schedule. Once, having managed to miss the train, I found out that at this transfer station (it's called Visp) they sell amazingly delicious tangerines, and the next train arrives in just half an hour, so even if you're late, you won't lose anything , and, most likely, even get it.

As for the price: if you book a Swiss Transfer ticket in advance, it will turn out to be two times cheaper (only tourists can use it) than buying on the spot (Swiss Transfer - about $ 140 round trip, on the spot - $ 225). They will need to be printed out and shown to the conductor on the train.

The station in Zermatt is called Bahnhof Zermatt (from German - Zermatt station) and is located almost in the center (at the intersection of Getwingstrasse and Bahnhofplatz) - given that in this small town almost everything is in the center. From there, if you have heavy suitcases, I advise you to get to the hotel by electric car - a dozen of these "taxi drivers" stand immediately near the exit from the station. You can also order such a taxi from your hotel to be completely sure - it will cost about 10-15 dollars.

In extreme cases, you can always walk - Zermatt is really very small city.

By car

Zermatt, as I wrote above, is a city without fuel cars; however, if you are a fan of this particular type of transport, there is still a way out - you can get to Täsch, a station 5 km from Zermatt, and leave the car there.

Täsch has a large covered car park with 2,100 spaces, and from there trains run every 20 minutes to Zermatt (a round-trip ticket for adults costs $16, for children 6-16 years old - $8). In addition, from Täsch you can always get to Zermatt by taxi ($15).

Parking rates are as follows:

Up to 2 hours - 4$,
Up to 4 hours - $7.50,
Up to 6 hours - $10.50,
Up to 8 hours - $13.50,
1 day - 15.50$,
Up to 8 days - $14.50 per day.

Clue:

Zermatt - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Yekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season. When is the best time to go

Zermatt is worth a visit in any season, that's what I can guarantee for sure. For every period there is a worthy occupation: in winter it is a ski resort, in summer - hiking trails in the mountains. The funny thing is, you can do the opposite - the mountains are always covered with snow, and therefore you can ride in the summer; and hiking trails are equipped according to all safety rules for any time of the year.

Personally, I went a lot in the winter there in the mountains, and skied mainly in the spring - in holidays in March, when it is already quite warm and sunny outside (sometimes even hot!), but the snow is still firmly on the slopes.

Zermatt in summer

Zermatt in the summer is a different story. This season is not as popular as winter, although quite the only tourists you will never find yourself in this city. The city becomes completely green and flourishing.

However, the local ski resort does not cancel such a trifle as summer. You can even ride in a bikini - the main thing is not to burn yourself!
In general, in Zermatt you can ski all year round, and this has its own zest.

However, if you are more of a follower of the traditional seasonal activities, then in the summer you will be provided with endless mountain trails where you can walk and mountain bike - all with a view of the Matterhorn, in clean, fresh air amidst endless forest, and sometimes and meadow greens.

In addition, there are always various extreme views sports - I will talk about them a little lower.

Zermatt in autumn

The weather in the Alps is always unpredictable - the temperature can rise up to 25 degrees Celsius, or it can drop to zero.

Autumn in Zermatt is perhaps the least popular season; perhaps in vain, because "nature has no bad weather." But still, at this time of the year, it may be better not to settle firmly in Zermatt, but simply to travel around Switzerland with a stop in this glorious city, where you can enjoy the silence and air, free from car exhaust fumes.

Zermatt in spring

As I wrote above, I often rode on skiing ah in Zermatt in the spring - mostly on March 8th, though. At this time, it is already warm in Zermatt, and you can walk around the city in one vest; it blows at the top, so you shouldn’t undress unnecessarily. In addition, it always shines very bright sun- that's why Sunglasses this time of year in Zermatt required(!).

There are a lot of tourists, but still not like in winter. If you do not get on holidays, then you can fully enjoy the cozy mountain loneliness.

Zermatt in winter

In winter, Zermatt turns into a fairy tale, especially during the holidays, of course (from December 24 to January 3 approximately; these are the holidays for most Europeans and Americans). The city is decorated with garlands, colorful lanterns and filled with a large number of tourists, but at the same time I could always find a secluded place or a street for myself, where there was no one but the festive spirit.

On the other hand, in such an excited mood that visits all those who arrived there, it is very easy to make new interesting acquaintances - even I, a typical introvert, easily got into conversation with completely different people a couple of times, heard their stories, improved my English, was absolutely satisfied with the time spent .

After January 3rd, the flow of European tourists decreases, but Russians are added - at this time, we have holidays, consider that they are just beginning. But none of this prevents you from enjoying the city and the ski slopes for your own pleasure - there is enough space for everyone (however, sometimes you can stand in line for the lift for 5-7 minutes - however, this is quite normal for well-known ski resorts).

The temperature stays around -10 Celsius - not too cold, not too warm - just right for a full ride. Winds blow only at the top, while the city itself is protected from drafts by mountains.

Zermatt monthly weather

Clue:

Zermatt monthly weather

Districts. Where is the best place to live

There are only a few districts in Zermatt - if you look closely at this map, you can count 8.

The city is divided by the river Vispa, across which many bridges are thrown.

The station, which I already mentioned, is located in the central area of \u200b\u200bthe city of Obere Matten; it also houses the main street Bahnhofstrasse.

The districts Am Bach and Stienmatte are the most touristic and filled with restaurants, shops and hotels. Others are already more deserted spaces filled with houses. local residents, in which, of course, a tourist cannot stop.

There are several types of hotels in Zermatt:

typical hotel rooms;
apartments - that is, an apartment with a kitchen;
chalet - a small cottage, usually for 2-6 people. For the most part, they are not in the city itself, but a little higher in the mountains.

I usually book hotels on Booking - but you can compare prices from different sites. You can also look for offers to rent private apartments - by.

What are the prices for holidays

Zermatt is still not the cheapest place to stay, although you can always find options.

For example, the Zermatt website offers special offers on accommodation that can help you save money. The average price is $245 per person for a double room. You can also catch promotional offers by monitoring aggregator sites, for example,.

The price of food in restaurants varies from $4.5 to $92 per dish.

Taxi - about $10 per trip.

There are not so many excursions in Zermatt :) It seems that there is only one - a walk around the city. On it you can learn about the most interesting in the history of Zermatt and how it turned into a world-class resort.

Duration - 1.5 hours.

The price is around CHF 30 per person. 15 - from children under 16 years old, free of charge - for children under 6 years old.

Main attractions. What to watch

Top 5

Matterhorn Museum

The issue price is $10; more details below.

Central street (shopping)

Gornegrat

An observation deck with an unforgettable view of the Matterhorn.

Matterhorn glaciar paradaise

Cable car to the observation deck.

Horner Gorge

15 minutes walk from Zermatt - path through rocks and cliffs with wooden steps.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

In the very center of the city there is the most beautiful local parish church of St. Mauritius (Parisch church of St Mauritius; its address is Englischer Viertel 8, but, by the way, you simply cannot miss it :)

The first mention of it dates back to 1285; however, it took on its present appearance only at the beginning of the 20th century. In Switzerland, it is known for its altars and baptistery.

One of the most visited places in the vicinity of Zermatt is the Chapel of St. Bernard of Menton (Bernhard von Aosta) in Gornegrat.

It is very easy to get to the Gornegrat station - in front of the station, where trains from Tesh and from the same Visp arrive, there is a neighboring station, which is called Gornegrat-Bahn. Trains run every 20 minutes, you need the next stop.

In addition, you can visit the same Täsch Catholic Church at 3929 Täsch. Taes has a Portuguese community, and therefore worship is conducted in both German and Portuguese.

Another incredibly beautiful chapel is located on the shore of Lake Schwartz - the chapel of Mary of the Snow (Maria zum Schnee; the Catholic feast of Our Lady and her miracle of "snow").

It is located next to the Schwarzsee gondola station.

All four churches are free to enter at any time of the day.

Museums. Which are worth a visit

There are not so many museums in Zermatt itself - in fact, it is only one :)

Matterhorn Museum (it is located in the very center of the city, on Kirchplatz street - however, once you get to Zermatt, you will understand that for the most part you do not need addresses and street names - I have been there many times, and have never encountered such a question) .

The Matterhorn Museum tells the story of the conquest of this mountain; it is tragic, but interesting for everyone. Nearby, by the way, there is a monument to climbers who conquered the Matterhorn - it is called The Walk of Climb, like The Walk of Fame (Walk of Fame) in Hollywood.

Inscriptions in museums are duplicated in English - and there are also free brochures in different languages, including Russian; objects that you can touch with your hands - ideal for visiting with children; the museum is wheelchair accessible; there are audio guides in German, English, French and Japanese; books and souvenirs are sold; in addition, special exhibitions and various cultural events are regularly held there.

The opening hours of the museum vary depending on the season:

in spring - from 14.00 to 18.00,
in summer - from 11.00 to 18.00,
in autumn and winter - from 15.00 to 19.00.

The entrance fee is $10.

parks

At Sunnega Station (the same way as you get to Gornegrat) there is a Woolli Adventure Park.

This is a playground with stairs, slides and towers next to Lake Leisee.

In Zermatt itself there is a small space with swings and benches near two large ice rinks - they are located on Seilerwiesenstr.

But there are no more special parks in Zermatt - after all, this is a mountainous space. However, there are various snow parks for snowboarders - for example, one of these is located on the Matterhorn glacier paradise - Gravity Park path.

tourist streets

In Zermatt, all the streets are touristic :) moreover, most of them are only pedestrian - you can freely move along them with children without fear of cars.

The most important of them is the central Bahnhofstrasse, which is also the most touristy.

In addition, it makes sense to take a walk along the Vispa River, which flows through the whole of Zermatt - it is beautiful both in winter and in summer, and many people walk along it with their dogs.

What to see in 1 day

In one day, it is quite possible to get around the whole of Zermatt about ten times :)

If you have a whole day left, then, of course, it is best to dedicate it to skiing - one of the best in Europe; after all, Zermatt positions itself as a ski resort. If you don’t ride, it still makes sense to go upstairs - there are excellent viewing platforms and good restaurants; lifts transport people both up and down, both with and without ski equipment.

If you still decide not to ride, then I would suggest this route:

in the first half of the day, go up to the Gornegrat station, inspect everything there, take pictures;
then have a bite to eat in one of the local mountain restaurants (more details about them will be written in the corresponding section);
then go down, visit the Matterhorn Museum;
then you can already unwind - take a walk in the evening along the main Bahnhofstrasse street, go shopping for clothes, shoes, ski equipment, souvenirs ...
and in the evening go to a restaurant or bar in the city itself, you can safely go to any - I will write about my specific preferences a little lower.

What to see in the surroundings

Actually, I have already mentioned many interesting surrounding places above - Gornegrat station, Sunnega station, Matterhorn Glaciar paradaise, various churches and parks, Horner Gorge ...

However, it is worth dwelling on the latter in more detail. The gorge is one of the most beautiful places near Zermatt. Wooden steps and paths pass through the rocks and cliffs, from which amazing views open up to travelers. Located a 15-minute walk from Zermatt, at Bergrestaurant Blatten. Available for entry from 9:15 to 17:45. They say that best time to visit it is the middle of September, during this period it is most beautiful. The gorge is completely safe - you can go there with the whole family, considering, however, that it can be difficult for small children to climb a large number of steps.

Admission for adults - 5 dollars,
for a group of people over 10 people - 4.50 each,
for children under 16 - 2.50,
for children under 6 - free of charge.

Food. What to try

Traditionally, cheese and chocolate are eaten in Switzerland - you can read more.

The most important dish to try in Zermatt is the cheese fondue. Fondue is a melted cheese that is constantly heated in a cauldron, in which you dip slices of bread, vegetables, meat - there are many different options :)

And of course, the traditional winter drink is mulled wine, which is served literally everywhere.

Speaking about the restaurants in general, it is worth noting that basically they are all very cozy, homely, with a rustic atmosphere - especially mountainous ones. Although, of course, traditional pompous restaurants are also present.

It is really worth dividing the restaurants into mountain restaurants, which are more suitable for a light snack in the middle of the day, and evening, official, beautiful ones, in which everything takes place with inherent decorum.

All have a children's menu and children's portions; moreover, almost everywhere there is a separate vegetarian menu with a varied selection of dishes.

The price range is quite wide - from $2 to $100. On average, you should expect about $8 per dish.

If you live in a chalet or apartment with your own kitchen, then there is nothing better than stocking up on fresh food at the nearest store - for example, Coop "e on Viktoriastrasse. I myself have done this more than once, and I have never regretted it - still in the tourist seasons Restaurants are quite noisy.

Perhaps the most beautiful restaurant that I visited in Zermatt, I would call the restaurant Chez Vrony on the top of the mountain. There is a stunning view of the mountains from there, there are places both inside and outside (plaids are provided in case of cold).

It is located at Findeln. Works from 9:30 to 18:30.

There are high chairs, they serve alcohol, they accept cards. Suitable as for big companies as well as for cozy romantic date.

Average prices - from $10 to $45. Best places to book in advance. Preferably in two weeks :)

In the city itself, I would recommend a restaurant Old Zermatt- it is located at Kirchstrasse 17 in the very center. Nice place with red lanterns outside - it creates a very cozy atmosphere.

Can be accommodated both inside and outside. Price range from $13 to $45. Good wine.

Very popular so it can get quite noisy at times. Places can be booked in a few hours, but, most likely, if you come just like that, then in this case you will find a place :)

Another place I would recommend is a restaurant Les Maromottes(marmotte - the national animal of Zermatt). Very cozy little restaurant at Furi. Great for family evenings with kids. The owner of the restaurant takes orders and monitors everything. Locations both outside and outside. Worth booking in advance.

Budget

Restaurant Matterhorn glacier paradise.
Restaurant Paradies.
Fuchs Bistro and Bakery.
Brown Cow Pub.
The Bubble.

Intermediate level

Restaurant Paradies.
Findlerhof.
Restaurant Schaeferstube.
Restaurant Spycher.
Restaurant Enzian.

Expensive

Chez Max Julen.
Ristorante Capri.
Kleines Matterhorn.
Ristorante La Dolce Vita.
Steakhouse "zur alten Muhle".

Holidays

The main holidays celebrated on a grand scale are, of course, Catholic Christmas and New Year. The whole city is decorated with garlands and filled with a festive atmosphere. People celebrate right on the street, launch fireworks and firecrackers, bars and restaurants work all night long. And if it suddenly becomes too noisy for you, you can always go a little higher and look at the beauty of the city from the side.

Safety. What to watch out for

Since Zermatt is a ski resort, then, of course, you should beware of "work injuries" - the slopes in Zermatt are quite steep, and usually still icy in the evening. Therefore, if you are not completely confident in your ability to ride, it is better not to go to black slopes.

In addition, you should just beware of slippery paths, it is easy to fall on them when you are just walking.

But in any case, helicopters always fly over the mountains, reaching from difficult situations unfortunate unfortunate skiers. And in the city itself there are several first-aid posts with excellent doctors (they were tested on themselves - Bahnhofstrasse 150; assistance is provided with insurance - it is simply contraindicated to go to a ski resort without it). Opposite one of these there are two pharmacies - in one of them (Bahnhofstrasse 121), the owner himself makes some medicines - cough tablets and syrups (there is always a possibility of catching a cold). I liked them so much that I even bought them for my home.

Otherwise, Zermatt is an absolutely safe city, free from thieves and murderers. Children and girls can safely walk around the city at any time of the day.

Things to do

Certainly worth doing skiing! Or snowboarding :) I ride both and get a lot of pleasure from this resort.

And there is also the opportunity to go cross-country skiing or even paragliding.

Shopping and shops

Most shops in Zermatt are located on the central Bahnhofstrasse. Watches, jewelry, cosmetics, sportswear, ski equipment, excellent, high-quality shoes and winter clothes (I myself walk around Moscow in shoes and winter jackets only from there), chocolate - for every taste and color.

Alpine skis and snowboards are present in large numbers, completely different models, everyone can find the right one. In addition, they can always be rented - as a rule, equipment is rented on one floor, and a store is located on the other. Sellers in good English will always help you figure it out.

Closer to the station, you can find various souvenirs and special things that are worth bringing from Switzerland - cheese and chocolate. There is also an excellent bakery.

It is worth paying attention to Swiss knives - you will not find such a large selection anywhere else, perhaps. And, of course, you definitely need to bring something with the image of the Matterhorn - you can't do without it :)

Bars. Where to go

Zermatt is famous for its bars. It has over 100 restaurants and 60 bars.

After skiing, one of the après-ski bars will “go in” well, where everyone in still ski suits dances to modern disco music and drinks shots and mulled wine. One of them I love very much - Hennu steell(Piste Furi-Zerma - address).

However, if you are a fan of calm music and quiet old jazz, then you will appreciate the cozy and stylish lounges.

In addition, many bars have separate smoking lounges - the most intimate conversations usually happen there :) one of such places is bar 55 as part of the Firefly Hotel (address - Schluhmattstrasse 55).

Papperla Pub.
Edward's Bar-Cafe.
blue lounge.
Hexen Bar.

They work mostly until the last visitor.

Price range from $5 to $35 per drink.

Clubs and nightlife

There are almost no clubs in Zermatt.

extreme sports

If you are still new to skiing, then there is always the opportunity to take an instructor and become a professional in this business in a couple of seasons!

If you want to learn on your own, then I advise you to start riding on children's tracks - I myself mastered snowboarding in this way, and, as you might guess, I fell a lot. But on a green children's track, it's much safer than on a serious red one. And don't forget the helmet! Even if you consider yourself a professional. I very rarely saw at least someone without a helmet on the slopes of Zermatt (and if I did, it was often Russians :). But it is better not to follow the example of some of our irresponsible compatriots.

Any outfit can be rented or purchased there. And you can rent, for example, only sticks - if you brought everything else with you. Optional to take full set.

Rentals work during the day - from about 8.00 to 19.00, each in a different way. An economical set of skis + poles + helmet will cost about $150. Snowboarding is exactly the same. Deposit - $20.

In addition, for special fans of extreme sports, it is proposed to fly on a paraglider - I wanted everything, I carefully studied this process, but I never got there. You fly, of course, not alone, but with an instructor who guides you.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

The Swiss Army Knife is a must-have! For yourself or for your best friend, or maybe for your father. However, maybe mom will not be against such a gift :) but I have already written about cheese and chocolate more than once - in Zermatt you can even buy lactose-free chocolate and cheese, which are rare in Russia. And do not forget to at least take a picture with the Matterhorn, not to mention the magnet with it :)

It would be nice to set aside about 50 dollars for souvenirs.

How to move around the city

Zermatt - holidays with children

Zermatt was awarded the "Families Welcome" award for reasonable prices for holidays with children.

For you there will always be discounts for accommodation in hotels with children, in restaurants you will find children's portions, on the slope - ski instructors who speak Russian, and free ski passes for children under 9 years old; and up to 16 years - big discounts.

In addition, as I wrote above, in a city without cars it is completely safe to walk with children on the street. There are also a number of playgrounds and amusement parks - I also wrote about them and even attached my own photos; I remember after I took, for example, this picture, one of the girls saw me and we had a very nice chat with her about what a wonderful day it was.

Ski holidays

Ski passes

It is better to buy ski passes at the bottom of the ski lifts. The price varies depending on the age and the number of days for which you take the ski pass. Preferably - for the duration of your stay - it will definitely be cheaper.

For a week ski pass will cost:

for an adult - 380 dollars,
for a teenager under 16 years old - $ 323,
for a child under 6 years old - 190 dollars.

Tracks

In almost any region, the tracks are divided by color:

Greens are the most gentle; suitable for children and beginners, and just lovers of calm, smooth skiing, in which sometimes you have to push off with sticks or even climb a little uphill. However, they are not at all suitable for snowboarders - unless you have a good companion with ski poles nearby who is ready to "lift" you on especially gentle sections.
Blue - medium, optimal for both beginners and professionals. Those who do not like speed, but love long skiing without any dangerous moments - you are here. Usually on the slopes, most of the runs are blue.
Red - good for those who like to accelerate quickly and reach the end of the track in a few minutes. For beginners, it’s better not to go there, for those who have been riding for more than a year, this will be an excellent replacement for black slopes, for professionals - just good skiing.
Black- really dangerous tracks with a strong slope. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better not to even accidentally hit them, but to turn off. Yes, and professionals better beware, you can develop unmeasured speed there - however, professionals themselves know what I'm talking about :)

In Zermatt, all types are presented in large numbers (more than 360 km of well-prepared slopes, lifts climb to a height of 3883 m). At the top you can always find cozy restaurants where you can have lunch.

There are two sides for skiing - Swiss and Italian (Cervinia). In Italian, the main thing is not to be late and have time to return at the end of the day before the lifts close, otherwise you will have to spend the night there. There are hotels, of course, but it is difficult to check into them without a passport.

Usually people ride on high, and the most lower region, leading to the city, they pass on the lift - everything is often too gouged and melts there.

A map of the skiing region is issued free of charge near the ski lifts, as well as at ski and snowboard rentals.

A special bus runs around the city, which collects everyone who wants to get to the ski lift - the fare costs $ 5, you can purchase a subscription. But, by the way, you can always walk to the ski lifts - if you are not too lazy to drag your skis on yourself :)

I have already written about instructors and trails for beginners.

Chalets and apartments

Chalet Les Anges
The Heinz Julen Penthouse"Lux"
Apartments
Apartments

The ski resort of Zermatt is located in Swiss Alps at the foot of the Matterhorn. It is a pearl among the ski resorts in Switzerland. It seems that this ski resort has absolutely everything for skiers and snowboarders. But every year the "ideal world" of Zermatt is getting better and better.

In 2012 a great track was opened in Zermatt/Cervinia. (N 59). This is a track for those who like to tickle their nerves, as the height difference on the 750-meter section of the track is 250 meters. Get ready to put your lungs to the test and test thrill from this high-speed ideal course with magnificent wide arcs. It is located on the south side of the Matterhorn.

Feature of the ski resort of Zermatt in that you can ski until mid-April, when the air temperature in the valley reaches 25 ° C, when the bright sun shines and you can sunbathe while skiing. Also, this ski resort is reliably protected from the wind by the surrounding mountains.

Unified ski area for skiers- it is very comfortable. If your hotel is located next to one of their ski lifts, then it is not necessary to go to another. Having climbed the mountain, you can easily and simply ski to another ski area. And what is most remarkable - the slopes of the ski resort of Zermatt and Cervinia (Italy) belong to the common Matterhorn Ski Paradise! Here is the most mountain ski lift in Europe (3.883 m).

Thus, more than 300 km of ski slopes are at your disposal. As well as a wonderful park for freeriders and snowboarders. Two of the longest trails diverge from Klein Matterhorn - one towards Zermatt (17 km), and the other towards Italy (20 km). Every skier will find their own pistes to their liking - from simple blue pistes N 1 to off-piste slopes, there is enough space for everyone. Elevation difference on the tracks of the region 1620 - 3800 meters

Accommodation in Zermatt

Hotel base Zermatt above all praise: prestigious 5 * hotels, chalets and apartments, numerous cozy family hotels 4 * and democratic "three rubles". Every vacationer will find accommodation to their liking. And for extreme sportsmen it is offered high mountain hotel- Kulmhotel Gornergrat 3 *, which is located at an altitude of 3100 m. It is somewhat cheaper to live in the villages of Tesch (5 km from Zermatt) and Randa (10 km).

The resort does not recognize any road transport, except for small buses powered by electric batteries. Total "environmental"!

Zermatt is well-deservedly famous among skiers, so you need to book hotels in advance. Soleans staff will help you choose the right hotel, close to the ski lifts and meeting the requirements and possibilities of customers.

In general, Zermatt is Zermatt. This must be seen. This is a must try. It must be felt.

Rest after skiing and shopping

The pedestrian street Bahnhofstrasse is always filled with an atmosphere of celebration and fun. Numerous cafes, pastry shops and bars are always waiting for their visitors. Separately, it must be said about the shops, or rather the shops of Zermatt. Each showcase is a real work of art, especially on Christmas Eve. They create the festive spirit of the resort. Maybe that's why every evening a lot of tourists enjoy strolling through the evening Zermatt.

culture Apress-ski perfect and represented by many restaurants, clubs, discos, fitness centers and exhibitions.

VIDEO: Holidays in Zermatt in summer and winter!

Zermatt is in many ways "the best", here are:

the highest ice palace in Europe,
the highest panoramic restaurant in Europe at an altitude of 3.883 m,
the highest ski lift in Europe, 3.883 m
highest mountain in Europe Railway under open sky on the Horner Ridge, at an altitude of 3.089 m above sea level.

Panoramic platforms

In the resort of Zermatt, both in summer and in winter, you can visit the observation panoramic platforms, where all the magnificent four-thousanders surrounding Zermatt are presented at a glance:

Ridge Horner,
recreation areas "Matterhorn glacier paradise",
"Rothorn Paradise" and "Schwarzsee paradise".

Summer rest

Zermatt is designed for year-round recreation. As already mentioned, there is the possibility of skiing 365 days a year. In the summer, many other equally exciting programs are offered:

routes for mountain hikes for a day or more with a total length of 400 km;
12 Nordic walking routes;
mountain bike trails - 100 km, golf course;
a very exciting place, especially for teenagers - the rope park "Forest Fun Park".
Naturally, there cannot be a mountain resort without mountain climbing and paragliding. And Zermatt, with its surrounding mountain ranges, perfect place for this.

How to get there:

The nearest airports are Geneva, Zurich and Milan. Travel time by train is 3-3.5 hours. The famous Glacier Express train also comes to Zermatt, which is the route's terminus.